I had a letter published in The Argus about my dad and other Anzio Beachhead and Italian campaign veterans who had no public recognition on the 50th nor the 60th anniversaries of these landings.
I had a good response from other veterans and was put in contact with Gordon Taylor in Wakefield, Yorkshire, who was the UK representative for the people of Anzio.
He told me I would be able to get an Anzio Certificate of Honour (citation) if I would send details of my dad's service records to the Anzio Beachhead Landing Museum in Anzio, which I did.
Mr Taylor, who is also an Anzio veteran, said he would have to now give up being the UK representative, as he is 86 and suffering ill-health.
It seemed a shame to let this last opportunity for the old veterans and their next-of-kin to get recognition at last go so I volunteered to take it over.
With the blessing of Mr Taylor and the Italians in Anzio, I am now the official UK representative for this citation.
The only favour I ask now, is to make this known to any remaining veterans or their next-of-kin, to get in touch with me.
If it had not been for The Argus, I would never have discovered this citation or the museum in Anzio. More importantly, if it had not been for the assistance of The Argus, I would never have had the opportunity to carry on this work for the Anzio veterans. The timing was perfect. Once again, thank you.
-Del Doune, Flat 6, East Lodge, The Terrace, Brighton Road, Lancing, West Sussex BN15 8BQ
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